For producers who were looking to take advantage of current market conditions, opportunity knocked at NVLX Wodonga cattle sale.

Due to rain supplies tightened to 1,040. The bulk of the offering across all grades was quite mixed, with plenty of cattle requiring more finish. The mixed offering did little to deter processors or feedlots as both parties looked to amass numbers.

Rates for secondary cattle surged, with impressive money paid for feeder steers as a volume feeder buyer added to the competition.

The main run of steers 330-400kg sold 30c dearer making from 340-378c/kg. Plainer shaped steers were dragged higher as buyers looked to secure numbers. Plainer shaped and crossbred steers to feed on sold from 300-334c to average 327c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers 400-500kg was keenly sought which resulted in a dearer trend of 9c, to reach a top of 379c/kg.

Meanwhile feeder heifers sold up to 14c dearer with strong demand coming from local and northern orders. The main line of heifers 330-400kg consistently made from 340-356c/kg.

Prime finished trade heifers gained momentum, with the grain-fed category posting back-to-back price gains. Medium weight heifers sold 9c dearer fetching 324-368c/kg.

Trade steers were pulled 9c higher as feedlot competition purchased all but the poor and dying. Steers to the trade were limited fetching 355-374c/kg.

Vealers were scare and select butcher order set the higher rates, with good quality veal selling from 340-370c/kg.

Heavy steers sold to a smaller group of processors, which resulted in prices slipping back 6c while bullocks lifted 5c reaching a top price of 352c/kg.

The cow market posted back to back price gains. Heavy cows jumped 14c selling from 265-288c/kg. Leaner cows made solid price gains of up 9-14c due to increased processor competition. Leaner grades sold at 236-281c/kg.